Injection vs Combined pill
Need help choosing? Speak to a doctor
Add your Injection review
£From £0.16/day
Overview
Rated 2.9
284 reviews
Every 2-3 months
Frequency
94% - 99+%
Effectiveness
None
Blood clot risk
Short term
Effect on fertility
Rated 2.8
2572 reviews
Daily
Frequency
91% - 99+%
Effectiveness
Increased
Blood clot risk
None
Effect on fertility
Injection ingredients
Main hormones in Injection
progestogen
Combined pill ingredients
Main hormones in Combined pill
progestogen
oestrogen
What Lowdown reviewers say
Benefits: What this contraceptive can help with
Endometriosis
Heavy periods
Period pain
Acne or bad skin
Heavy periods
PMS and PMDD
PCOS symptoms
Period pain
Try it now
Add your Injection review
Try it now
£From £0.16/day
Check out our latest reviews
Real life reviews from people like you
Injection reviews
284 reviews
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 days ago
Worst decision I’ve ever made Gained a lot of weight Depressed Anxious Moods all over the place
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
41 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I like the injection as no periods at all but gained over 2 stone in weight and no amount of dieting, eating less or exercising helps loose any weight at all I just gain even more.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 12 - 18 mo
27 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 1 month ago
I didn't notice any changes at first. I got my period for the first month or two, then the bleeding was irregular and lighter and eventually it stopped completely. I gained weight quickly. I would get hungry even after eating. I would get severe vaginal itching a few days after the shot.
Worse skin
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Combined pill reviews
2572 reviews
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
Experiences severe pms before taking this pill, first tried deso 30 again as I used it in the past, but I definitely gained weight with that one and still experienced feelings of depression every now and then. With this pill, I still have my normal weight and I feel like any dark feelings are almost gone, sometimes I still have an off day ofcourse. Overall I am very happy; clear skin, I am feeling great, and my weight is normal.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
So I might just be allergic to the pill. I was given this as it's low dose and I've had strong reactions to everything else. I had an anxiety attack on the first day, then couldn't stop crying on the second so I stopped it quickly. I had started it because I was feeling really good so thought I could cope with the mood changes but they were so severe it scared me. I've then had a horrible period in the month after and back at square 1.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4 days ago
Ive been on 3 different pills and Levest was my long term. My skin got clearer and my periods have been much more managable (I used to be prescribed meds for pain control). However the main effect is decreased sex drive dramatically and just feeling 'meh' all the time very dampened emotions over everything. Not many highs not many lows just an overall feeling of meh.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
23 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• today
Experiences severe pms before taking this pill, first tried deso 30 again as I used it in the past, but I definitely gained weight with that one and still experienced feelings of depression every now and then. With this pill, I still have my normal weight and I feel like any dark feelings are almost gone, sometimes I still have an off day ofcourse. Overall I am very happy; clear skin, I am feeling great, and my weight is normal.
Somewhat positive mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 days ago
So I might just be allergic to the pill. I was given this as it's low dose and I've had strong reactions to everything else. I had an anxiety attack on the first day, then couldn't stop crying on the second so I stopped it quickly. I had started it because I was feeling really good so thought I could cope with the mood changes but they were so severe it scared me. I've then had a horrible period in the month after and back at square 1.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 18 mo - 3 yr
20 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 4 days ago
Ive been on 3 different pills and Levest was my long term. My skin got clearer and my periods have been much more managable (I used to be prescribed meds for pain control). However the main effect is decreased sex drive dramatically and just feeling 'meh' all the time very dampened emotions over everything. Not many highs not many lows just an overall feeling of meh.
Somewhat negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
32 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 5 days ago
My psychiatrist put me on Zoely in August of 2024, I had recently been diagnosed with PMDD (pre menstrual dysphoric disorder) and was at a point in my life where if I didn’t find a way to manage the symptoms I was at breaking point. I’d been misdiagnosed with bipolar, major depression, borderline personality disorder and had been on a rollercoaster of treatments from ages 13-30. So I was hesitant to trust this psychiatrist and go on another potentially damaging rollercoaster of meds. Alas, after 3 weeks I noticed dramatic changes to my moods, I was balanced! I felt in control, grounded and sane! Obviously my period stopped and my cycle was no longer existent but this medication saved my life, my relationship, my mental health and gave me back my life! The only negative side is my low to zero sex drive, that’s been tough but I’m navigating it now, my partner doesn’t feel desirable because I don’t want sex.. like ever but we are both just happy to have a peaceful life without the ups and down. It seems like a fair trade to me. So very grateful for this medication.
Very positive mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
This pill ruined my mental health, doctor told me it was the best option despite me telling her i was worried about the mental effects. I lost all confidence- felt disgusting all the time. Made my anxiety and overthinking 10 times worse, i was crying multiple times every day. It felt like i had no control over my emotions, i could go from happy to crying within seconds and this could be set off by anything at all. Would not recommend this to anyone, have an appointment to come off it this week.
Very negative mood
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
13 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
overall made periods easier but changed my mood to be lower. it definitely improved things for me.
Very negative mood
2 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 6 - 12 mo
46 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Stopped my periods which I love. Not liking the weight gain. Which has been about 7lbs. I exercise and watch what I eat. I only continue with it because I don't have a period. I couldn't cope with the breakthrough bleeding on cerelle. I can only use progesterone pills due to Hrt unfortunately.
Somewhat negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
1 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
doesn’t make me feel crazy but have been quite dry in sex which wasn’t the case before going on it. boobs are bigger but have had a few cramps but i have suspected endometriosis which is probably the reason.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 3 - 5 yr
18 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 2 weeks ago
Began taking this when i was 14 when i got my first boyfriend and I am now 18 so it is very hard to determine or remember what things i suffered with prior to the pill and what increased while on it. One thing i can say is my skin has never been more oily in my whole life, regular bumps on my forehead which i don’t recall ever having. I can only put this down to hormones/the pill, i’ve tried antibiotics, thousands of pounds worth of skincare, changing shampoos, stopping vaping, bettering my diet, replacing makeup brushes regularly (im talking fortnightly!) and so much more and nothing seems to even touch the sides. cystic acne bumps on my back which seem to worsen in the winter/autumnal months. I have been seen to by uncountable doctors and a dermatologist who have all simply told me to wash my face with a cloth lol (wish i tried that one!!???). I have found my skins got worse through the years but now it’s totally uncontrollable, skincare does not even seem to touch the sides which also convinces me it’s something to do with my contraception. Have found myself very snappy and irritable 24/7 i feel very low… nothing major is happening in my life to be making me feel like that and it’s getting draining. booking another doctors appointment tomorrow to consider changing.
Somewhat negative mood
1 more effect
0 helpful
0 comments
Used for 1 - 3 mo
17 years old
🇬🇧 UK
• 3 weeks ago
For me personally, the pill is great for periods. I haven’t had a period while using it. However, I did have 1-2 weeks of very light breakthrough bleeding. I found the pill made me severely depressed and I had absolutely no energy. I felt like I was just existing and not living. I was crying everyday and thinking everyone hated me. It also made me lose all my confidence I took so long to gain (I had none). Since being off it for 3 days I’ve seen a huge difference in my energy and my mood is slowly getting better. It didn’t make me gain weight as such, but my stomach is usually flat and now it’s round and more bloated. I’m hoping this will go away. I’d say I’ve gained more fat on my stomach than weight. I am more then happy to answer any questions <3
Very negative mood
3 more effects
0 helpful
0 comments

Women's health, reviewed.
Get the best women’s health info in your inbox
You are signing up to receive The Lowdown's latest findings and news in women's health. Your data will be used in accordance with our Privacy & Cookie policy
Slide into our DMs
Built by doctors and experts
Our tools are made by medical professionals for your peace of mind
Our website uses affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them